Giant fun at the panto

FUN, FROLICS and the odd faux pas were in store for audiences at the Grand at the launch of the 2012 pantomime season.

As with every great panto performance, the comedy was silly and sometimes quite close to the mark - meaning both children and adults had a laughs a plenty.

One of the stand-out stars of the show was Nigel Ellacott as Dame Trot. It was more than evident why he is considered one of the best panto dames in the country and he brought with him the experience of 38 years in the business.

His banter with the crowd, comic timing and interaction with his fellow actors was second to none and really gave something special to the performance. His song about Bilston Market, set to the tune of Copacabana, was a treat for anyone local to the area.

Another highlight was the appearance of Keith Harris with his lovable friends Orville and Cuddles, his segments - especially with cheeky monkey Cuddles - had the audience in hysterics.

One of the funniest scenes of the night came about completely by accident when Sherrie Hewson, appearing as baddie Lady Temple-Savage, completely fell apart dressed as a milkmaid while attempting to buy Day-zee the cow.

Every good panto features plenty of singing and it was here Niki Evans, appearing as Fairy Fortune, shone with her absolutely outstanding voice.

Credit must go to the production company Qdos Entertainment for the use of an inflatable beanstalk the crowd actually saw grow, as well as featuring the giant himself - something many Jack and the Beanstalk productions shy away from.

It was clear the hard work which had gone in to ensuring every aspect of the panto hit the mark - from the dance routines and script to the set and characters.

All in all, this was a real family fun night with highlights for young and old.